World Heart Day 2026: small changes that help protect our heart

29 September marks World Heart Day, an initiative spearheaded by the World Heart Federation to raise awareness of cardiovascular health and the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

In 2026, the campaign continues under the slogan ‘Move for your heart’, focusing on the importance of recognising warning signs and adopting small lifestyle changes that can help improve cardiovascular health.

At Biogen Diagnóstica, we are proud to support this initiative, reminding everyone that taking care of the heart involves both prevention and healthy habits, alongside timely detection and appropriate care for cardiovascular conditions.

Cardiovascular disease: a global healthcare challenge

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the Spanish Heart Foundation (Fundación Española del Corazón), more than 6.5 million people die each year from cardiovascular disease, accounting for approximately one in three deaths globally.

Beyond well-known risk factors, this year’s campaign draws particular attention to signs and symptoms that can easily go unnoticed. Cardiovascular conditions can affect individuals of any age; issues such as congenital heart defects, cardiovascular disease in women, or uncontrolled hypertension require specialised attention.

For this reason, recognising warning signs and consulting a healthcare professional when necessary is an essential pillar of cardiovascular prevention.

‘Move for your heart’: small steps, lifelong habits

The proposal put forward by the Spanish Heart Foundation for this World Heart Day stems from a straightforward premise: consistent, small changes can make a substantial difference to our cardiovascular health.

Key recommendations from the campaign include:

• Moving more throughout the day, such as opting for the stairs instead of the lift whenever possible.
• Maintaining a balanced diet, prioritising fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Attending routine medical check-ups to help identify potential cardiovascular issues at an early stage.
• Taking regular active breaks during the working day, particularly in sedentary desk roles.
• Gradually increasing physical activity and embedding it into daily routines.

Rather than drastic, short-term measures, the aim is to build sustainable habits that can be maintained over time.

The vital role of prevention and cardiovascular care

Cardiovascular wellbeing requires an integrated pathway that begins with prevention, but extends seamlessly into diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment whenever cardiovascular disease is present.

Within this framework, coordinated teamwork among cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, intensivists, clinical perfusionists, nursing staff, and allied healthcare professionals is vital to deliver specialised care at every clinical stage.

Medical technology forms an integral part of this continuum of care, providing advanced tools that assist clinicians across diagnostic, therapeutic, and cardiovascular support procedures.

Biogen Diagnóstica: healthcare technology at the service of clinical professionals

At Biogen Diagnóstica, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and medical centres, delivering solutions across key areas of cardiovascular care, particularly in cardiac surgery, extracorporeal perfusion, and ECMO life support.

Our commitment is to ensure that healthcare teams have access to reliable medical technologies tailored to the rigorous demands of their clinical practice.

This World Heart Day, we would like to extend our special appreciation to all healthcare professionals who work tirelessly each day in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Move for your heart

World Heart Day serves as a vital reminder that cardiovascular care is a daily commitment.

Spotting warning signs, undergoing recommended screenings, adopting healthy habits, and staying active are core steps highlighted this year by the Spanish Heart Foundation to protect heart health.

Biogen Diagnóstica proudly reinforces the campaign’s core message:

Move for your heart. Look after your cardiovascular health today.

👉 You can explore the guidelines and resources for World Heart Day 2026 on the official website of the Fundación Española del Corazón.